Second Quarter 2020Editor's Choice
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A leading systems integrator for the automotive industry has adapted a Maxolution electrified monorail system (EMS) and 23 HK Series gear units for overhead trolley systems from SEW-Eurodrive for a major upgrade and expansion project. The major benefit for the client is that SEW-Eurodrive is able to supply the complete system, from the stationary control level to the sensors themselves. Maxolution allows for highly accurate simulation for trouble-free start-up, production support and project acceptance. The modular EMS is tailor-made for specific production requirements and is integrated seamlessly into the existing system.
McCormick Engineering system designer, Jaco Viljoen, points out that a great deal of control was needed on the hoist drives due to the high level of accuracy required. The HK Series consists of special gearmotors with integrated couplings, making them ideal for overhead trolley systems such as those deployed at automotive manufacturers.
The main project had two components, with one consisting of engine and gearbox delivery to the main line and the second a transfer system moving a half-built chassis overhead from one floor conveyor to another. Nine HK Series were used on the one part of the project and 14 on the other. The trolley and hoist units operate together seamlessly in terms of the total EMS at the plant.
When the automotive manufacturer called for secondary hoist brakes to be installed for added safety precautions, SEW-Eurodrive was again able to help. This resulted in a significant cost saving for the client.
Planar motor system for quality assurance Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.
Read more...Robotic solution for adhesive tape application with flexible control Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Robotics & Mechatronics
In industry, even elaborate processes, such as the application of adhesive tape to parts with varying geometries are automated. Innovative Automation has developed a platform with Beckhoff control technology and a remote feeding module, which increases productivity and enables flexible customisation for different requirements.
Read more...Motion technology for all types of automation Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE’s new service and repair centre SEW-EURODRIVE
News & events
As part of its strategy to ‘close the loop’ in its service offering, SEW-EURODRIVE has broken ground on a new 17 000 m2 Service and Repair Centre. The establishment of the state-of-the-art facility plugs the gap for expert repair services for gearboxes in Africa.
Read more...The world’s most powerful worm
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...Problem solving under pressure Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice
The greatest strength of Axiom Hydraulics lies in the company’s ability to solve complex problems and adapt systems to meet unique challenges. This capability stems from two key factors: the diverse experience of its team members, which spans decades across multiple disciplines, and their unwavering dedication to their clients.
Read more...New AI advisor for robot selection igus
Editor's Choice Robotics & Mechatronics
igus’ new AI chatbot has been added to the online platform RBTX.com. The interactive consultant is designed to enable companies with little previous experience and technological expertise to quickly and reliably put together low-cost automation solutions to becoming more competitive.
Read more...Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts Artic Driers International
Editor's Choice Pneumatic systems & components
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.
Read more...Process control system for the entire plant lifecycle Siemens South Africa
Editor's Choice
The automation of process plants has been characterised by IT silos for a long time. The high level of IT security required was achieved through strict isolation from the outside world. However, this made unlocking the opportunities for digitalisation very difficult. This is a compelling reason to opt for Simatic PCS neo – Siemens’s completely web-based process control system with state-of-the-art IT security concepts.
Read more...Celebrating 65 years: rebuilding and redefining its legacy Axiom Hydraulics
Editor's Choice News & events
Founded in 1959 by Neill Simpson, Axiom Hydraulics has grown into one of South Africa’s elite hydraulic companies. Over the past six and a half decades they’ve weathered many challenges, but none as devastating as the fire of 2023.
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